Desert Chapters: A Look Back at Our Inaugural Literary Escape to Palm Springs
What happens when you combine books, sunshine, incredible women, and a house that feels plucked from a Joseph Eichler daydream? Pure magic.
The first chapter of The Literary Escape was everything we dreamed of, and then some.
The Setting
Palm Springs gave us the perfect backdrop with its iconic mid-century homes, towering palm trees, and desert blooms. For three sun-soaked days, we embraced connection, laughter, poolside lounging, and of course, plenty of bookish conversation.
Our retreat house felt like a hidden gem tucked away in the desert, complete with peaceful patios, vibrant architecture, and a pool that practically begged for cocktails and conversations.
“If the desert is holy, it is because it is a forgotten place that allows us to remember the sacred. Perhaps that is why every pilgrimage to the desert is a pilgrimage to the self. There is no place to hide and so we are found. ”
The Cast of Characters
An intimate group of incredible women came together — and the connections we built? Absolutely unforgettable. Some were longtime friends, others were meeting for the first time. What we shared was a love of stories and the belief that grown-ups deserve recess too.
The Plot
From the moment we arrived, the weekend unfolded like one of our favorite novels.
We swam under the stars and shared leisurely breakfasts that turned into deep-dive discussions. Our historic walking tour delivered just the right amount of quirky facts to keep things interesting. We got a little crafty with earring-making, balanced out by cocktails by the pool and quiet moments of stillness to recharge. We even carved out time for peaceful morning stretch sessions. It was the perfect way to start each day with intention and to soak up the desert stillness.
We ate like queens, and thanks to our private chef, Chef Tye, the feast never stopped. Natalie and I tried to play it cool in the kitchen (results: kinda slaps, if we’re being honest.).
And somewhere between the laughter, the book chats, and what might be the world’s hardest round of Trivial Pursuit: Literary Edition, strangers became friends, and friends became chosen family.
The Twist
The real plot twist wasn’t hidden in the pages of our retreat book, The Californians. It was the women themselves. Everyone brought their own energy, stories, and sparkle to the group, and that made the weekend more meaningful than we could have imagined.
The Reviews Are In
We’ve heard loud and clear this won’t be the last Literary Escape. Whether you’re craving a getaway, a little downtime, or an excuse to escape reality with a book in hand, we’ve got you covered.
“Palm Springs was the perfect backdrop for the first Literary Escape. I arrived knowing a few women and left with new friends, unforgettable memories, and the kind of experience that exceeded even my high expectations. Jen and Natalie truly knocked it out of the park.”
— Karen W.
Ready for the Sequel?
Follow us on Instagram @literaryescapeadventures to stay in the loop. Chapter Two is already in the works, and you won’t want to miss where the story takes us next.